whether to open a new home brew store in Atlanta?

[bpound90]

I am considering opening a home brew retail store in the north Atlanta suburbs. I already own and operate a different type of retail business, so i am not so concerned with that end of things. Does anyone know if it requires in special liscence or permits different than a normal business. Do you see the demand, is this a growing market currently? What do you see as lacking from current north Atlanta home brew stores that would make you visit my store? any great name ideas? Thanks so much for your input.

 

[kh54s10]

I would have to ask what homebrewing knowledge you or your staff have to pass on. These days it is as important to have great advice as it is good products to sell to have a successful LHBS.
You will not only be competing locally but also regionally. Today's internet makes it imperative to give good advice as well as have quality products at a good price.4

Unless you plan to sell alcoholic products I don't think you need much in the way of special permits. You may need something in regards to food safety for selling the grain and extracts.

I live in New England and do more than half my purchases from internet companies located in the Midwest.

 

[TriageStat]

I am considering opening a home brew retail store in the north Atlanta suburbs. I already own and operate a different type of retail business, so i am not so concerned with that end of things. Does anyone know if it requires in special liscence or permits different than a normal business. Do you see the demand, is this a growing market currently? What do you see as lacking from current north Atlanta home brew stores that would make you visit my store? any great name ideas? Thanks so much for your input.

You should start with market research to see if it's a viable option for your location.

 

[nasty_rabbit]

Where in the north Atlanta area are you talking about? I'm on the northern end of Gwinnett and there are 4 stores that I use but I would not say any is my favorite. Each have their pluses and minuses. The closest one doubles as a growler shop and is connected to a liquor store so I can get brewing supplies and a growler at the same time but their hardware selection is limited. The next closest has plenty of brewing knowledge and every grain imaginable but I question their storage practices as that on more than one occasion I walked in with the guy unlocking the door and there were multiple open bags of whole cone and leaf hops on the counter from the night before. The next closest has very little to offer to anyone that has brewed for any period of time but the owner is a retired gentleman and has opened the shop as a hobby. He has some great stories and I will go there to "visit" with him and TRY to find something to buy to help maintain his hobby. The last one is in Alpharetta, and is by far the most difficult to get to (85 to 20 to 400 is not a very easy route at any time of day). They always have what I need whether, it is ingredients or hardware. The down side other than the drive is that they know more than me and NEVER let me forget that. If I have a question about equipment or technique, they make me feel like an idiot because I'm not 100% sure what I need or need to do.

So, if you are going to open a shop, open in my back yard stock an equal amount of hardware and ingredients make it pleasant to "visit" and don't flaunt you knowledge but be willing to teach.

 

[bpound90]

Wow, great advice, thanks. You sound like me in an auto parts store as far as them talking down to me, haha. I am somewhat open as to where. I live in Acworth, but i am thinking more in the Roswell, johns creek, suwanee area, just because of higher average incomes. But maybe that shouldn't be a factor. Maybe over a certain income range, you just prefer to buy beer or don't have time to brew. I currently have limited knowledge personally, but have a great passion for it. I would focus on hiring management and staff that are already knowledgable and part of the local home brew community. What is the best group to join to start meeting new people for this? I intend to stand out from the other guys with superior customer service, and a better in store experience with a much more welcoming environment. The store will be worth visiting for the environment alone. I might even put in a shuffle board table.

 

[gstrawn]

Hmmmm. Well as you know brewmasters is in Marietta. I'm a student in Athens and commute home to cartersville so I would love to have a store closer to home, also whe I intend to move upon graduation. I think the demand is there, I think it's definitely growing in parallel with the craft scene. I personally know of a bunch of people getting into brewing, and there's also a pretty nice store in Athens (blockaders) that has been open and seems successful. The owner is really cool and friendly and that's why I'd rather go there than brewmasters.

2 complaints about brewmasters that I think a necessary, especially in an LHBS.

1. I usually by like 4 or 5 recipes at a time, so I've only made about 4 bulk purchases from them. 3 times they have been out of one of the ingredients I needed. I understand that it's difficult to maintain stock, but their product is advertised as in stock online when I order, then when I pick it up they're out and it can be very frustrating.

2. When going in to the store I havent been treated rudely, but it certainly hasn't been friendly. I have always felt craft beer and bringing is a very friendly community, and to be rated like I was at Walmart. If you're my friend then I'll want to give you my business.

 

[nasty_rabbit]

Hmmmm. Well as you know brewmasters is in Marietta. I'm a student in Athens and commute home to cartersville so I would love to have a store closer to home, also whe I intend to move upon graduation. I think the demand is there, I think it's definitely growing in parallel with the craft scene. I personally know of a bunch of people getting into brewing, and there's also a pretty nice store in Athens (blockaders) that has been open and seems successful. The owner is really cool and friendly and that's why I'd rather go there than brewmasters.

2 complaints about brewmasters that I think a necessary, especially in an LHBS.

1. I usually by like 4 or 5 recipes at a time, so I've only made about 4 bulk purchases from them. 3 times they have been out of one of the ingredients I needed. I understand that it's difficult to maintain stock, but their product is advertised as in stock online when I order, then when I pick it up they're out and it can be very frustrating.

2. When going in to the store I havent been treated rudely, but it certainly hasn't been friendly. I have always felt craft beer and bringing is a very friendly community, and to be rated like I was at Walmart. If you're my friend then I'll want to give you my business.

Blockaders is the ones with the open hop bags but I agree the owner is a great guy and they have grain by the boatload. Did you ever try 5 Points Growlers Westside Tap, they are at the intersection of Atlanta highway and the loop behind the liquor store. Great guys, great knowledge, supplies are fresh (they have a great turnover of inventory) but I have had to substitute yeast or specialty grains once or twice and they have a 45 beer growler shop. The only thing that they are limited on is keg hardware but as for brewing hardware they are adequate.

 

[glockspeed31]

www.barleynvine.com is the shop where I started and now work there as beer dept manager. We have lots and lots of fresh grains, hops and yeast. Also have a 27 tap growler bar. Everyone there is super nice and understanding to beginner questions. Check us out if in the Henry Co. (Stockbridge - Eagle's Landing) area.